=Paper=
{{Paper
|id=Vol-2770/paper2
|storemode=property
|title=Teaching in the Fourth Industrial Revolution: Transition to Education 4.0
|pdfUrl=https://ceur-ws.org/Vol-2770/paper2.pdf
|volume=Vol-2770
|authors=Vadim Grinshkun,Elizaveta Osipovskaya
}}
==Teaching in the Fourth Industrial Revolution: Transition to Education 4.0==
https://ceur-ws.org/Vol-2770/paper2.pdf
Teaching in the Fourth Industrial Revolution:
Transition to Education 4.0*
Vadim Grinshkun1[0000-0002-8204-9179] and Elizaveta Osipovskaya2[0000-0002-4192-511X]
1
Moscow City University, 2-Y Sel'skokhozyaystvennyy Proyezd, 4, 129226 Moscow, Russia
2
Peoples Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya St,
117198 Moscow, Russia
vadim@grinshkun.ru,e.osipovskaya@gmail.com
Abstract. The current study facilitates the discussion on implications of the
Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) on education. World technological develop-
ment and digitalization are unmistakable tokens of the 4IR, they will undoubt-
edly have a positive impact on transition to Education 4.0. Authors examines
the key challenges and features of the 4IR for the Russian educational system.
Researchers also consider how Big Data, Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial In-
telligence (AI), automation, robotics, Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR)
are shaping the future of high-quality education. The paper builds on the World
Economic Forum Education 4.0 framework that embraces eight critical charac-
teristics in learning content and experiences: global citizenship skills, innova-
tion and creativity skills, technology skills, interpersonal skills, personalized
and self-paced learning, accessible and inclusive learning, problem-based and
collaborative learning, lifelong and student-driven learning. Authors also em-
phasize eight examples of Russian universities and education programs that are
paving the way toward Education 4.0. There is a definite probability that acti-
vating a new model of education will require greater endeavors of all stake-
holders – students, educators, university administrators and officials.
Keywords: Fourth Industrial Revolution, Personalized Learning, Technological
Revolution, Informational Revolution, Informational Technologies
1 Introduction
Information and communication technologies are changing the teaching and learning
process, therefore, the higher education (HE) system should promptly adopt new ad-
vanced tools and know how to harness their power to train learners. Education 4.0 is a
response to the needs of the 4IR where technological progress aligns with human
needs.
Lifelong learning opportunities, quality and affordable education (along with the
fight against hunger and environmental challenges) are the key priorities of the United
Nations in 2020. UNESCO believes that inequality in education could be eliminated
*
Supported by the Russian Science Foundation, grant No. 19-29-14146
Copyright © 2020 for this paper by its authors. Use permitted under Creative Commons License Attribution 4.0
International (CC BY 4.0).
Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Informatization of Education and E-learning Methodology:
Digital Technologies in Education (IEELM-DTE 2020), Krasnoyarsk, Russia, October 6-9, 2020.
through the application of online technologies, namely, services for distance learning.
The World Forum (WEF) released the Education 4.0 framework to respond to the
needs of the modern economy. The program involves the launch of the international
knowledge marketplace, where educators can create joint projects on online platform.
The growing labor-market skills gap changes the structure of the economy. WEF
experts believe that automation will displace 75 million jobs globally by 2025 but
create 133 million new ones [1]. They will be occupied by employees possessing
digital skills, who are in a high demand among business now. Moreover, there is
shortfall of almost 1 million tech professionals in Russia today. This may mean that
educational system needs training and retraining programs supported by 4IR technol-
ogies.
2 Literature Review
It has become common today to describe technological progress through eras of tech-
nological revolutions. The expansion of mechanical production, precisely, steam en-
gine, powered the 1st Industrial Revolution and enables massive increases of manufac-
turing. The 2nd Industrial Revolution is generally associated with new manufacturing
technologies based on electricity. The 3rd Industrial Revolution is attributed to com-
puterization and wide array of web-based resources.
The concept of the 4IR is widely discussed in literature [2, 3, 4], for instance, the
most highly cited research is paper by Klaus Schwab [4]. The increase in research on
the 4IR in HE gives the impression that a whole new field of study has emerged and
blossomed over the past 10 years. However, there is no common definition of the 4IR,
many scholars approach the concept from different methodological angles. For in-
stance, it could be defined as a technology fusion that involves physical, digital and
biological spheres [4]. Penprase asserts that the 4IR is a compounding effects of mul-
tiple “exponential technologies,” such as AI, biotechnologies and nanomaterials. In
the paper the researcher examines the impact of the 4IR on American education sys-
tem and how liberal arts should respond to this new human condition [5]. Nancy W.
Gleason reviews the multi-faceted strategy of Singapore’s higher education in prepa-
ration for the 4IR [6]. Professor Yang P. et al deals with the complex relationships
between the 4IR and HE through two phenomena: international student mobility and
emergence of transnational HE industry in the context of Asia [7]. Lee R.M et al stud-
ies how design thinking method prepares China’s students for the 4IR and whether
China can innovate in a way that promotes future economic growth and employment
[8]. There are researchers who open up a new direction in the 4IR by emphasizing
how deep learning technologies are changing mining sector in South Africa [9]. James
D. Basham et al sets out to analyse the impact of the 4IR on preparation of learners
with disabilities [10].
3 4IR technologies in Education
The 4IR is generally associated with the fields of Big Data, IoT, AI, automation, ro-
botics, VR/AR, 3D printing and quantum computing. These inventions are the move
toward new technology-rich learning spaces, therefore, this allow us to talk about
special activities that must be taken by HE system. In our study we examine each
technology in the retrospect of educational process.
In the field of pedagogy, it is highly essential to provide teachers with information
about process of extracting useful information from Big Data, processing activities
and data protection rules. It might be valuable to track students’ digital footprints in
order to better understand their needs, interests, expectations, moods and optimize
educational process and create personalized learning pathways.
IoT encompasses a set of advanced equipment (sensors), network-level connectivi-
ty architecture and smart devices that enable machines to interchange information.
Advanced IoT products and solutions have great potential benefits for the HE, that is
why it should be integrated into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics) core courses and vocational education and training.
The 4IR has also unleashed the mobile technologies. The proliferation of mobile
devices leads to game-based learning. Today there are a lot of researchers that inves-
tigate the implementation of game elements into e-Learning environments. The incor-
poration of game elements into courses increases student engagement, motivates them
to complete assignments, fosters collaboration, activates a competitive spirit and en-
hances their digital competencies [11].
The next technology is robotics, it is a factor of development engineering educa-
tion today. Therefore, it is highly essential for the HE to launch programs to train
teachers in engineering and robotics industries [12].
The 4IR has elevated the role of various simulations in both education and practi-
cal application. That is why it is highly crucial to develop programs aimed at training
specialists for vocational education system in the field 3D technologies such as AR,
VR and 3D printing. These technologies have a great impact on personalized learning
offering new ways of visualization, memorization and observation.
Moreover, it is necessary to develop a qualitative understanding of quantum com-
puting in mathematics and engineering students. We should emphasize that there is a
great need in courses that cover the core principles in quantum mechanics, quantum
computation and quantum cryptography.
Alongside with the study of the 4IR technologies’ impact on the HE system there
should be taken into account the influence of information revolution that is closely
related to industrial revolutions [13, 14]. It is suggested to distinguish six information
revolutions: the human speech (the possibility of information exchange between peo-
ple who are not far from each other), writing system (the possibility of long-term
storage of information), book printing (the possibility of replication, dissemination of
information), electronic communication that embraces telephone, telegraph, television
or gramophone recording (the ability to disseminate information freely and massive-
ly), computer technology (the huge capacity and versatility of information systems;
information processing that includes acquisition, recording, organization, retrieval and
display of information), global computer networks (fast distribution of multimedia
information at the global scale when the recipient has the opportunity to select it and
verify).
4 The World Economic Forum Education 4.0 Framework
The WEF establishes eight critical characteristics in learning content and experiences
based on 4IR technologies to promote “Education 4.0” [15]. We then illustrate the list
of these characteristics with the examples of various Russian education programs:
1. Global citizenship skills – content that focuses on building awareness about chal-
lenges on a global scale (climate change, civic engagement). For instance, Russian
government promotes global citizenship by organizing the Interuniversity Ecologi-
cal Cup. It is a platform for communication between students, representatives of
business, government and public organizations about issues in the fields of envi-
ronmental science and protection.
2. Innovation and creativity skills – content that fosters innovation and creativity
skills. State-owned Russian banking and financial services company Sberbank is
noted for a lot of events and initiatives in this sphere. For example, it held the
championship for students “Sberbank challenge cup”. Participants developed pro-
jects of how to feel safe and comfortable in the urban environment by using prod-
ucts of Sberbank ecosystem.
3. Technology skills – content that is based on developing digital skills, including
computer programming and the use of technology. Ministry of Digital Develop-
ment, Communications and Mass Media of the Russian Federation launched pro-
gram for improving students’ digital literacy skills in leading universities. Another
example is the cooperation between business and education institutions. Russian
multinational technology company Yandex and the Higher School of Economics
formed a computer science faculty to increase the efficiency of business opera-
tions. Students learn Big data technology along with machine learning algorithms.
4. Interpersonal skills – content that focuses on interpersonal emotional intelligence,
including empathy, cooperation, negotiation, leadership and social awareness. At
Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia there are a lot of science and social
events that emphasize cultural diversity where students can train and improve
communication skills.
5. Personalized and self-paced learning – content that is based on the diverse individ-
ual needs of each learner and flexible enough to enable student to progress at their
own pace. The School of Advanced Studies at the University of Tyumen is best
known educational institute in Russia that offers students personalized learning
pathways that fit their objectives, interests, and needs.
6. Accessible and inclusive learning – increasing accessibility in learning by shaping
more inclusive education. Ural Federal University, for example, offers students
various forms of education: blended learning, MOOCs by UrFu and even online
courses of partner institutions. The presence of diversity and inclusion encourage
active learning.
7. Problem-based and collaborative learning (PBL) – implementation of collaborative
projects to create solutions to real-world challenges. PBL teaching method is wide-
ly spread in Russian medical universities, because this profession require hands-on
learning and realistic learning scenarios.
8. Lifelong and student-driven learning – it focuses on the joy of learning, rather than
the pressure of assessment. The supreme example of this characteristic is learning
management system “School digital platform” created by Sberbank. The LMS mo-
tivates learners and boosts their engagement.
5 Results and Discussion
Today is quite difficult to predict what exactly will be in the core of the next industri-
al revolution. In our view, the next revolution will be based on machine translation
engines supporting multiple languages (the ability to remove linguistic boundaries
form between areas where people speak different languages; information as a unified
international resource). Such systems are available to everyone now, and their stand-
ards of performance have been constantly improved. It should be noted that the emer-
gence of such systems can be fully attributed to the third technological revolution, but
by the nature of its development and spread it can be included in the 4IR. The usage
of such information technologies could make a significant contribution to the person-
alized learning pathways at all levels of education.
Speaking about the HE challenges in the era of the 4IR we can state that there is a
high demand in:
─ Teaching at all levels of education and in all disciplines, developing critical think-
ing skills, skill to search, collect and analyze information by using local and global
resources.
─ Creating comprehensive educational programs based on library literature of foreign
language resources that have a great impact on openness and personalized learning
[8].
─ Developing such students' personality traits as cultural flexibility, cultural humility
and tolerance to other cultures.
─ Training teachers to improve their search skills; developing vocational education
programs about how to gather information, process and protect data, and create in-
formation resources [16].
─ The internationalization of the HE through the student and teacher academic mo-
bility, virtual mobility in the context of removing language barriers [17].
It is suggested to keep education system abreast of contemporary international
standards by using the fundamental nature of education. That means to protect educa-
tion environment against a rapid technological change.
The essential role in adapting the education system to the technologies of the 4IR
and evolving market needs is undoubtedly played by close collaboration of education-
al organizations with new modern enterprises. Here is a list of such types of coopera-
tion:
─ Employers from world's leading companies participate in the educational process.
─ Representatives of the research establishments are involved in the academic activi-
ty.
─ Employers are involved in the system of final proficiency rating of graduates and
their employment.
─ Leading companies and research establishments donate funds for equipping and
modernizing educational institutions.
─ Innovative technologies are used as training tools in the learning process and in-
ternship.
6 Conclusion
Today there are a lot of scenarios of the positive and negative implications of the new
industrial revolution. They embrace the increase of social differentiation, political
imbalance, polarization of human communities, the economic transparency and trans-
formation, increasing the intellectual and creative nature of people's work, and reduce
routine activity. Pedagogical system improvement should include teacher training
program about ways to prevent negative social consequences of the new technological
revolution. To improve educational processes and outcomes the education system
must be constantly reformed in the light of adjusting to the new technological changes
and must be the object of continuous evaluation.
The aspects of new technological revolution and the possible measures that should
be taken to improve the HE are far from being listed above. There is suggested only
one of the steps for fundamental revamping of educational system that should be
pushed to the forefront of public discussion. Over time, the list of measures will be
expanded, refined and become more detailed. There is a lot of work ahead for prepar-
ing for lifelong learning and the ability to predict the upcoming changes.
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